Stressing out to make life more natural, healthy, simple, efficient, and frugal.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Eat Organic When You Can-- The Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen

On our budget I just can't buy everything organic; it's too expensive! Even the Farmer's Markets in our area are not too cheap, so I use the Environmental Working Group's list of foods that are musts when it comes to buying organic. The reason: these foods don't have enough protective layering to prevent pesticide contamination.

You can go to their site for a list of the Dirty Dozen, foods that should either be bought organic (pesticide-free) or else avoided. They also have a list of produce that is fine to buy non-organic, the Clean Fifteen. I love having both lists so that I know when I can get cheaper produce without worrying about the pesticides.

Keep in mind, this list only refers to the pesticide content; it is not a guide for genetically-modified organisms. I can't currently handle the stress that all entails, so I'm just sticking to the pesticide issue for now.

Here's the lists typed out, in case you want to just copy, paste, and print for your binder to keep the list handy:

And as always, produce that is in season is cheaper and better-tasting. If you eat following the seasons, you'll provide your body with a good variety of vitamins and minerals; the way God made it to work for us!

About Me

A 'learn as I go' mom of 3 and wife of a dreamer/enteprenuer, I'm juggling homesteading and homeschooling on a ridiculously tiny budget. I believe in choosing natural over man-made; efficiency; being frugal without compromising quality; and that laughter is truly the best medicine. My long list of faults is balanced by the blessings of a husband who makes me laugh out loud every day; children who fill my heart to overflowing; and the one true God whose grace I need and am grateful for on a daily basis.